US5062514A - Insulating retainer for a viscous fluid clutch - Google Patents
Insulating retainer for a viscous fluid clutch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US5062514A US5062514A US07/688,796 US68879691A US5062514A US 5062514 A US5062514 A US 5062514A US 68879691 A US68879691 A US 68879691A US 5062514 A US5062514 A US 5062514A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- retainer
- clutch
- coil
- housing
- specified
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 24
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 239000011810 insulating material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 abstract description 5
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 6
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229920002631 room-temperature vulcanizate silicone Polymers 0.000 description 4
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000014759 maintenance of location Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012811 non-conductive material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002989 phenols Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920006267 polyester film Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229920001296 polysiloxane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D35/00—Fluid clutches in which the clutching is predominantly obtained by fluid adhesion
- F16D35/02—Fluid clutches in which the clutching is predominantly obtained by fluid adhesion with rotary working chambers and rotary reservoirs, e.g. in one coupling part
- F16D35/021—Fluid clutches in which the clutching is predominantly obtained by fluid adhesion with rotary working chambers and rotary reservoirs, e.g. in one coupling part actuated by valves
- F16D35/023—Fluid clutches in which the clutching is predominantly obtained by fluid adhesion with rotary working chambers and rotary reservoirs, e.g. in one coupling part actuated by valves the valve being actuated by a bimetallic coil
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to a viscous fluid drive device
- the present invention is concerned with an insulating retainer for mounting a bimetallic coil on a fan clutch.
- a thermostatically-controlled viscous fluid clutch assembly for driving and rotating a vehicle cooling fan is well-known.
- a multi-bladed fan is removably secured to a body of the clutch.
- the fan and clutch assembly are installed between an accessory pulley (typically the water pump pulley) of a vehicle engine and a radiator.
- the clutch drives the fan at high speeds close to input speed when cooling is required and permits the fan to rotate at low speeds when cooling is not required.
- Thermostatic control of the fan through the clutch reduces airflow noise caused by fan rotation and the load on an engine, resulting in horsepower gain and improved fuel economy.
- Bimetallic coils are often utilized to sense ambient air temperature in an engine compartment and engage or disengage the clutch.
- a coil expands and contracts in response to air temperatures and controls fluid flow inside the clutch in a well-known manner.
- a conventional assembly method for a coil includes inserting a first end of the coil in a slot on the clutch housing and inserting a second end of the coil in a slot of a rotatable control shaft. Vibrations incurred by the clutch require an adhesive to secure and hold the first end of the coil on the cover. Due to the clutch's environment, a room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone is applied in the slot. While the RTV silicone holds the first end, various drawbacks exist, including a lengthy cure time and frequent maintenance and clogging of the tooling and nozzles used to apply the silicone.
- RTV room-temperature vulcanizing
- the bimetallic coil is designed to control a cooling fan in response to air temperatures in the engine compartment.
- friction in a clutch can be great, and fluids for clutches are designed to operate for temperatures as high as 350° F.
- the heated fluid contained in a clutch produces radiant heat which can affect the operation of the bimetallic coil.
- the present invention includes an improved viscous fluid drive device particularly suitable for a fan clutch of a vehicle.
- the present fan clutch includes an insulating retainer mounted between a bimetallic coil and the clutch housing.
- a flexible tab on the retainer provides an interference fit to mount one end of the coil and eliminate RTV silicone or other adhesives.
- the non-conductive property of the retainer inhibits radiant heat flow from the cover to the coil.
- the present insulating retainer is economical to manufacture and can be adapted for conventional clutches.
- a viscous fluid clutch having a bimetallic coil includes an insulting retainer.
- a body of the retainer is mounted between the coil and an outer surface of the clutch housing.
- a flexible tab on the retainer is placed between a first end of the coil and a slot on the clutch housing to provide an interference fit and eliminate the need for adhesives.
- the body inhibits the transfer of radiant heat emanating from fluid inside the clutch to the coil.
- the body and tab are integrally formed.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present insulating retainer illustrating a V-shaped tab projecting upwardly from the plane of the retainer.
- FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the viscous fluid clutch illustrating the insulating retainer of FIG. 1 mounted between a bimetallic coil and an outer surface of a cover of the viscous fluid clutch.
- FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the outer surface of the clutch of FIG. 2 illustrating the retention of one end of the bimetallic coil by the V-shaped tab of the retainer.
- the retainer 10 includes a generally disc-shaped or circular body 12 formed from a flexible material having heat insulating properties.
- Various non-conductive materials including phenolic compounds, polyester films and plastics, can be utilized for the body 12.
- a generally rectangular tab 14 is formed near the outer periphery of the body 12.
- the tab 14 is cut in the body 12 and remains connected by an uncut stem 16. After formation, the tab 14 is bent to form a V-shape projecting upwardly from the plane of the body 12.
- a central opening 18 is provided in the body 12.
- the body 12, tab 14 and stem 16 are integrally formed. More preferably, the body 12, tab 14 and stem 16 are molded from a suitable material.
- FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a conventional viscous fluid clutch 20 incorporating an insulating retainer 10.
- the clutch 20 includes an input shaft 22 drivingly connected to a clutch plate 24. Ridges 26 of the clutch plate 24 are interleaved with ridges 28 of a housing 30 to form a fluid shear zone 32.
- the housing 30 is rotatably mounted on the input shaft 22 by a bearing set 34.
- a fan 36 is secured to the housing 30 by threaded fasteners 38. Fluid shear in the shear zone 32 drives the housing 30 and attached fan 36 in a well-known manner.
- a cover 40 is secured to the housing 30 and forms a fluid reservoir 42. Control of fluid from the reservoir 40 through inlets 44 in a pump plate 46 is performed by a rotatable control arm 48.
- the control arm 48 is drivingly secured to a shaft 50 which projects through a hub 52 in the cover 40.
- a well-known bimetallic coil indicated generally at 54 is connected to and rotates the shaft 50 and control arm 48 in response to ambient air temperature. An increase in air temperature causes the coil 54 to expand, thereby rotating the shaft 50 and the control arm 48 to uncover the inlets 44 in the pump plate 46. Fluid travels from the reservoir 42 to the shear zone 32 and transmits input torque from the clutch plate 24 to the housing 30 and the fan 36. When the air temperature has decreased to a predetermined level, the coil 54 contracts, causing the shaft 50 and control arm 48 to rotate back to their original positions, thereby covering the inlets 44 and blocking fluid flow.
- the retainer 10 is fitted onto the cover 40 as the control shaft 50 is received through the central opening 18.
- the circumference of the retainer 10 is complementary to the receiving portion of the cover 40.
- the present cover 40 includes an annular wall 56 which cooperates to form the reservoir 42.
- a slot 58 is formed in the outer surface of the annular wall 56.
- the V-shaped tab 14 is fitted into the slot 58.
- a first end 60 of the coil 54 is then pressed into the tab 14 so that an interference fit results to retain the first end 60 in the slot 58.
- the second end 62 of the coil 54 is fitted into a slot 64 on the shaft 50. Once the ends 60,62 of the coil 54 are fitted, expansion and contraction of the coil 54 rotates the shaft 50 as described above.
- the outer circumference of the retainer 10 is press fitted against the annular wall 56.
- An air gap 66 (FIG. 2) is provided between an inner surface of the retainer 10 and an outer surface of the cover 40. The air gap 66 inhibits radiant heat transfer from fluid in the reservoir 42 through the cover 40 to the retainer 10. The insulative and non-conductive properties of the retainer 10 further inhibit radiant heat transfer to the coil 54.
- the size and thickness of the tab 12 are selected to provide the interference fit between first end 60 of the coil 54 and the slot 56.
- the interference fit eliminates the need for previously-used adhesives.
- the size and shape of the retainer 10 can be modified to accommodate the cover 40 of a clutch 20. In some applications, it may be desirable to expand the area of the retainer 10 to cover a greater portion of the outer surface of the cover 40. Furthermore, it may be desirable in some instances to provide a body 12 of insulative properties without a tab 14, while in other cases a retainer 10 for the coil 54 may not require an insulative body 12.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Mechanical Operated Clutches (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims (11)
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/688,796 US5062514A (en) | 1991-04-22 | 1991-04-22 | Insulating retainer for a viscous fluid clutch |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/688,796 US5062514A (en) | 1991-04-22 | 1991-04-22 | Insulating retainer for a viscous fluid clutch |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| US5062514A true US5062514A (en) | 1991-11-05 |
Family
ID=24765813
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/688,796 Expired - Lifetime US5062514A (en) | 1991-04-22 | 1991-04-22 | Insulating retainer for a viscous fluid clutch |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5062514A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5509516A (en) * | 1993-08-20 | 1996-04-23 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Viscous fluid coupling |
| US5573095A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1996-11-12 | Dayco Products, Inc. | Fan clutch construction and method of making the same |
| US5593013A (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1997-01-14 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Fluid coupling for an engine |
| CN105508459A (en) * | 2016-02-18 | 2016-04-20 | 太仓钰丰机械工程有限公司 | Silicone oil fan clutch with heat insulation band |
| CN105570344A (en) * | 2016-02-19 | 2016-05-11 | 太仓钰丰机械工程有限公司 | High-sensitivity temperature sensor for clutch |
Citations (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4103765A (en) * | 1977-04-05 | 1978-08-01 | Eaton Corporation | Resilient support for coil of viscous fluid drive |
| US4190140A (en) * | 1978-05-26 | 1980-02-26 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device, bimetal clip and method of assembly therefor |
| US4190139A (en) * | 1978-06-05 | 1980-02-26 | Eaton Corporation | Centering abutment for viscous fluid drive |
| US4302156A (en) * | 1979-11-16 | 1981-11-24 | General Motors Corporation | Electro-viscous fan clutch assembly |
| US4310085A (en) * | 1979-09-06 | 1982-01-12 | General Motors Corporation | Electro-viscous fan clutch |
| US4328881A (en) * | 1978-08-14 | 1982-05-11 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device and bimetal coil mounting arrangement |
| US4583625A (en) * | 1983-09-28 | 1986-04-22 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Temperature responsive fluid coupling device |
| US4633988A (en) * | 1982-10-12 | 1987-01-06 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device with improved modulation capability |
| US4735300A (en) * | 1982-06-21 | 1988-04-05 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device, bimetal coil and clip assembly thereof |
| US4949825A (en) * | 1990-06-05 | 1990-08-21 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device having improved temperature responsiveness |
| US4998607A (en) * | 1989-01-20 | 1991-03-12 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Fluid coupling having damped bimetallic spring |
-
1991
- 1991-04-22 US US07/688,796 patent/US5062514A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4103765A (en) * | 1977-04-05 | 1978-08-01 | Eaton Corporation | Resilient support for coil of viscous fluid drive |
| US4190140A (en) * | 1978-05-26 | 1980-02-26 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device, bimetal clip and method of assembly therefor |
| US4190139A (en) * | 1978-06-05 | 1980-02-26 | Eaton Corporation | Centering abutment for viscous fluid drive |
| US4328881A (en) * | 1978-08-14 | 1982-05-11 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device and bimetal coil mounting arrangement |
| US4310085A (en) * | 1979-09-06 | 1982-01-12 | General Motors Corporation | Electro-viscous fan clutch |
| US4302156A (en) * | 1979-11-16 | 1981-11-24 | General Motors Corporation | Electro-viscous fan clutch assembly |
| US4735300A (en) * | 1982-06-21 | 1988-04-05 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device, bimetal coil and clip assembly thereof |
| US4633988A (en) * | 1982-10-12 | 1987-01-06 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device with improved modulation capability |
| US4583625A (en) * | 1983-09-28 | 1986-04-22 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Temperature responsive fluid coupling device |
| US4998607A (en) * | 1989-01-20 | 1991-03-12 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Fluid coupling having damped bimetallic spring |
| US4949825A (en) * | 1990-06-05 | 1990-08-21 | Eaton Corporation | Fluid coupling device having improved temperature responsiveness |
Cited By (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5509516A (en) * | 1993-08-20 | 1996-04-23 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Viscous fluid coupling |
| US5593013A (en) * | 1993-10-01 | 1997-01-14 | Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha | Fluid coupling for an engine |
| US5573095A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1996-11-12 | Dayco Products, Inc. | Fan clutch construction and method of making the same |
| US5575369A (en) * | 1994-04-28 | 1996-11-19 | Dayco Products, Inc. | Fan clutch construction and method of making the same |
| CN105508459A (en) * | 2016-02-18 | 2016-04-20 | 太仓钰丰机械工程有限公司 | Silicone oil fan clutch with heat insulation band |
| CN105570344A (en) * | 2016-02-19 | 2016-05-11 | 太仓钰丰机械工程有限公司 | High-sensitivity temperature sensor for clutch |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GENERAL MOTORS CORPORATION, DETROIT, MICHIGAN A CO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:KENNEDY, LAWRENCE C.;LAMBERT, HARVEY J.;REEL/FRAME:005683/0397 Effective date: 19910405 |
|
| STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
| FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PAYOR NUMBER ASSIGNED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: ASPN); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
| FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
| FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
| REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
| FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |
|
| SULP | Surcharge for late payment |
Year of fee payment: 11 |